Numbers 34:9
And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazar-enan: this shall be your north border.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָצָ֤א
shall go on
H3318
וְיָצָ֤א
shall go on
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
גְּב֥וּל
And the border
H1366
גְּב֥וּל
And the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וְהָי֥וּ
H1961
וְהָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תֽוֹצְאֹתָ֖יו
and the goings out
H8444
תֽוֹצְאֹתָ֖יו
and the goings out
Strong's:
H8444
Word #:
5 of 12
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
עֵינָ֑ן
of it shall be at Hazarenan
H2704
עֵינָ֑ן
of it shall be at Hazarenan
Strong's:
H2704
Word #:
7 of 12
chatsar-enan, a place in palestine
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
These boundaries were given circa 1406 BC as Israel prepared to cross the Jordan. The northern border described here encompasses territory beyond what Israel historically controlled, suggesting God's ideal rather than merely attainable goals. Ziphron and Hazar-enan were likely in modern Syria near the Lebanese border.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's precise boundary-setting for Israel inform your understanding of His sovereignty over nations today?
- What does Israel's incomplete possession of promised territory teach about the 'already but not yet' nature of God's promises?
- In what ways does the Promised Land foreshadow the eternal inheritance believers receive in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazar-enan: this shall be your north border—The Hebrew gebul (גְּבוּל, 'border/boundary') appears repeatedly in Numbers 34, establishing Israel's Promised Land boundaries. Hazar-enan (חֲצַר עֵינָן, 'village of springs') marked the northeastern limit—approximately 50 miles northeast of Damascus. God's meticulous boundary delineation demonstrates His sovereignty over geography and nations.
These borders weren't arbitrary but divinely ordained allotments (Acts 17:26). Yet Israel never fully possessed these boundaries until Solomon's reign (1 Kings 4:21-24), and even then incompletely. The ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's kingdom when He rules 'from sea to sea' (Psalm 72:8).